Leo A. "Butch" Huelsmann Jr.

Leo A. "Butch" Huelsmann, Jr., age 82, of O'Fallon, Missouri, and formerly of Breese, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Aviston Countryside Manor.

Born on March 24, 1943, in Breese, Butch was the beloved son of the late Leo H. Huelsmann, Sr. and Viola (née Hagen) Huelsmann. In 1982, he married Larae Parrow in Clayton, Missouri. She survives and resides in O'Fallon, Missouri.

Butch is also survived by his loving sons, Duane (Connie) Huelsmann of O'Fallon, MO, and Brian Huelsmann of St. Louis, MO; his cherished grandchildren, Lorel (Kyle) Huber of Denver, CO, Logan Huelsmann and James Huelsmann of O'Fallon, MO, and William Huelsmann of St. Louis, MO. He leaves behind his dear sisters, Linda Huelsmann of Mt. Vernon, IL, and Marcia (William Pursell) Rakers of Breese, IL; a nephew and niece, Joshua (Lisa) Rakers of Breese, IL and Ashley (Travis) Short of Shiloh, IL; as well as great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Butch spent his career at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis, where he worked as a Tool Crib Manager until his retirement in 1999. A proud member of the Machinist Union Local, he was also a man of faith in the Catholic tradition.

Known for his athleticism and love of sports, Butch was an outstanding softball player, a devoted youth baseball and soccer coach, and a respected referee for high school and college basketball and baseball. He enjoyed golfing, traveling, and the occasional trip to the boat for some gambling. Above all, Butch found his greatest joy in supporting his grandchildren-especially cheering them on from the stands-and watching Sunday NFL games at Hooters.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate Butch's life will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025, at 12:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese, officiated by Deacon Jay Fowler. Interment will follow at St. Dominic-St. Augustine Cemetery in Breese.

Visitation will be Friday, June 6, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at Moss Funeral Home in Breese.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association and will be received at the visitation or by mail, Moss Funeral Home, 535 N 5 th St. Breese, IL 62230, who is serving the family.